By Anthony A. Araos
The recent distribution of the social pension for elderlies at Barangay Poblacion North in Lagawe, Ifugao- for folks of four villages is an eye opener for me. It is but opportune to count the ways that has helped me dissect this issue.
I attended the activity full of enthusiasm, ended up filled with frustrations.
Many believed that the P3,000 social pension is enough. Unfortunately, this is not the case. For one, this amount covers a quarter of the year- or just three months. Translated, an elderly is receiving about P30 a day.
Politicians and their cohorts like to point out that the government should be lauded for providing the said amount for needy aged Filipinos. These inept and insensitive officials don’t seem like they’re worried on the effects of the high cost of living on the elderly sector, but they should be.
Older people are among the most affected by soaring prices of basic commodities. Old people feel despondent about the efficacy of a faltering welfare program of the government.
How can we trust the motives of politicians who are saying that the P3,000 is good enough for senior citizens while they are receiving high pay checks? There’s a myth out there that they can no longer deny.
Most elderlies in Ifugao are poor. They are feeling the pains and aches of material deprivation each day of the week.
Giving ample attention to the issue of the marginalization of the elderly section is then highly called for.
Sadly, for Ifugao’s elderly folks’ inequalities remain significant. It is a problem that has neither an easy answer nor will it soon disappear.
Is there a solution to the problem? Can we assuage the difficulties of the elderly folks in a poverty-stricken province like Ifugao? It is a function of a responsive legislative body.
When their social pension increases, their conditions are likely somehow to improve.
Here’s the good news: Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Timothy Joseph “Tim” Cayton, ironically, he is not even an elderly, filed a bill for the provision of P1,500 monthly social pension for senior citizens. I commend him for his timely action. It should be strongly supported by others. The senior pension issue is all about an aggressive community action. Don’t just open the door for the elderly. You keep it open for others. In my view, Rep. Cayton opened endless possibilities.
Rep. Cayton’s action might also nudge more congressmen to support it.
The ongoing challenges show that the need for concerned citizen-led efforts in the post-elections period are shaped and governance is defined.
Are Filipinos fed up with “flawed thinking” of good-for-nothing politicians who treat elderlies in a shabby manner? How will the government ensure it has the political will to protect and promote the welfare of the elderly? How will the nation?
I am elated and encouraged to see possible improvement of the living conditions of the elderly sector through the initiative of Rep. Cayton, a lawyer and former Dupax del Sur mayor. But, remember Nueva Vizcaya is a part of the Cagayan Valley Region. It will be good if the CAR congressmen adopt a similar welcoming attitude. Oh yes, it’s time to spread the love! This does away with all the excuses and alibis of these politicians.
I’m unafraid to say that increased budgetary allocation for social pension of senior citizens will continue to find ongoing usefulness of Congress as an established institution. For short, it’s time for competent and sensible action. Surely we can do that and make a huge difference in the lives of the elderlies.**
